PAM DZAMA | Flawed perspectives on the right to vote

Flawed perspectives on the right to vote

The last year has seen remarkable upheaval around the Arab world with the populations demanding real representation for the people.

Uprisings in Libya and Egypt saw the removal of their respective heads of state. Egyptian parliamentary elections took place last November with the presidential election slated for later this year. Libyan democratic elections are supposed to be organized by April, 2012. The first free elections were held in Iraq in January, 2005. The determination of those Iraqi voters with their purple fingers indicating they'd voted was truly inspiring.

These democracies won't look like ours nor, it appears, will they necessarily separate religious authority from secular governance as stipulated in the First Amendment of our Constitution. But those populations' yearning for freedom and the ability to govern themselves has proved once again to be a driving force in overthrowing oppressive dictators.

In our state and the country as a whole, voting is a right under most circumstances. Washington has few requirements for voter registration: United States citizenship; legal state residency; at least 18 years of age on Election Day; not under the authority of the Department of Corrections nor disqualified from voting due to a court order.

Washington state's constitution liberally defines a person's residence. Article VI, Section 1 states: "For the purpose of registering and voting, a person's residence is a person's permanent address where he or she physically resides and maintains his or her abode. A voter who lacks a traditional residential address, such as a person who resides in a shelter, park, motor home or marina, is assigned to a precinct based on the voter's physical location ..."

While I find it odd a "park bench" could be considered a "residence" it indicates how important the right, and yes privilege, of voting is to citizens.

With that in mind I found it interesting to look at the bills pending in Olympia dealing with voters and voting. Newly appointed Rep. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island along with duly elected Rep. Sherry Appleton, D-Poulsbo are co-sponsors of HB 2205 which would allow voter registration for 16- and 17-year-olds, although they wouldn't be able to vote. "The Legislature recognizes the importance of fostering lifelong civic participation. Young voters remain underrepresented in the United States electorate ..."

If "civic participation" is important, isn't it also important those participating understand the parameters of vote eligibility? Voting eligibility begins at 18 and it shouldn't be necessary to enact "early" voting registration at age 16.

Rep. Appleton also co-sponsored H.B. 2203 which would simplify motor voter registration. Under this legislation, "The Legislature recognizes that voter participation is the foundation of democracy. The Legislature also recognizes that young people register to vote at much lower rates than any other age group ..." Therefore, the bill suggests, "Applications for a driver's license and a state identicard shall also serve as an application for voter registration purposes."

It's very easy for almost anyone to get a driver's license in this state. While it requires proof of identity, there's no need to prove citizenship. The state accepts identification documents from the Mexican and Guatemalan governments. Washington is one of only three states allowing illegal aliens to obtain a driver's license.

Not having a Social Security number isn't a problem, either. Instead, a declaration form and proof of Washington residence like a utility bill could be provided. Given the ease with which almost anyone can get a driver's license, it makes no sense to simultaneously issue them a voter registration form which undoubtedly will tempt some to commit voter fraud. Election integrity should also be of paramount importance to the Legislature.

If bending over backward to make it easier to register younger voters doesn't work, maybe passing H.B. 2204, again co-sponsored by Rep. Appleton, would do the trick. " ... It is the intent of the Legislature to increase voter turnout by enacting Election Day registration."

Given the importance of solving the state's fiscal crisis it's disheartening to see legislators focus instead on expanding voter rolls. For citizens sincerely interested in civic participation, it's not important to register 16-year-olds, to register on Election Day or register when one gets a driver's license. It's much more important for them to understand the issues on which they're voting instead of when they receivetheir voter registration card.